Meet Our Instructors
At the Steinbach Arts Council, our talented instructors are passionate about sharing their expertise and inspiring creativity in every student. With diverse backgrounds in various art forms—from visual arts and music to dance and theater—our team is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Each instructor brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience, ensuring personalized guidance that caters to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our instructors are here to help you unlock your artistic potential.
Akecia Peters
Backyard Theatre Company
Akecia Peters is the Co-director of the Backyard Theatre Company at the Steinbach Arts Council, where she is passionate about fostering a love for theatre in the community. With diverse experience in various theatrical roles, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching and direction. Akecia is dedicated to helping students develop their skills in acting, improvisation, and character development.
Alan Fehr
Improv & ASAP Improv
Alan Fehr is a theatre director and writer based in Steinbach, Manitoba, and the creative director of Real Live Entertainment. The company produces unique and immersive theatrical experiences and is active in the local arts community. Fehr participates in the Steinbach Arts Council's after-school arts program and the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.
Andree Matkowski
Fitness & Wellness
Andrée is a licensed Zumba® Instructor since 2014, sharing her love for fitness in Steinbach, Niverville, and La Broquerie. She teaches various classes, including Zumba® Kids, Zumba® Toning, and Aqua Zumba®. Passionate about creating an energetic atmosphere, Andrée welcomes everyone to join her classes!
Amelia Rintoul
BOSS Dance
Amelia danced with BOSS dance in Portage la Prairie from ages 5-18 and is currently in her second year of teaching. Amelia has trained in many different dance styles, and loves all of them. However, jazz will always be her favourite. She is incredibly excited to teach here at SAC and is looking forward to a great season!
Angelica San Juan
Cultural Workshop
Angelica, our Communication and Outreach Coordinator, has lived in Steinbach for eight years, after growing up in the Philippines and studying Communication Arts at the University of the Philippines. She has a passion for storytelling and skills in filmmaking, photography, graphic design, and social media, having collaborated with local entities during her college years.
Arlene Enns
Visual Arts
Arlene Enns is a talented artist from southern Manitoba, born in 1964, who has been creating and teaching fine arts for over 20 years. She specializes in "useable art," including a clothing line and repurposed furniture, and works across various mediums like oils, watercolor, and acrylic. Arlene's art serves as a therapeutic outlet, helping her navigate personal challenges while she passionately shares her creativity with others. Her belief that "art should match your soul" reflects her deep connection to the artistic process.
Brett McPherson
Cultural Workshop
Brett McPherson is a Red River Métis youth artist and musician connected to his culture through traditional art forms. He explores and preserves his heritage by creating finger weavings, dream catchers, wind chimes, beadwork, gauntlets, and moccasins. Passionate about sharing his skills, Brett teaches others, believing that “the best way to learn is to teach.” Through his work, he not only hones his craft but also strengthens his cultural identity, inspiring others to embrace and celebrate their heritage.
Bretton Selent
BOSS Dance
Bretton’s dance training did not start in a studio but with the Hip Hop community in Winnipeg. Training, performing, and battling with some of Canada’s top crews such as Dangerous Goods (bboy crew), Sikat (choreography crew), and currently with B.O.S.S. Dance Crew (freestyle/choreography crew) as Co Director alongside Genie Baffoe.
Cassandra Kornelsen
Culinary Arts
Cassandra Kornelsen, the Manager of Community Programs at the Steinbach Arts Council, brings nearly 15 years of experience and a background in Culinary Arts. She conducts Culinary Classes and is passionate about providing creative opportunities for all ages.
Donna Garofalo
Pottery
Donna Garofalo - is a potter, a mother, an Art Therapist and an avid movie watcher. Donna graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Fine Art, specializing in clay. Donna enjoys experimenting in her own pottery and is passionate about nurturing curiosity and clay wisdom in her students, off all ages.
Darlene Adamson
Pottery
Darlene Adamson is a multifaceted individual with a passion for creativity. Alongside her experience in dental and veterinary fields, as well as administration, she has also honed her skills in pottery and stained glass. As an instructor and prize-winning artist, she continues to showcase her artistic flair.
Fredrick Spence
Culture & Heritage Workshops
Fredrick Lyle Spence, known as Thunder Bear, is an indigenous artist from Peguis First Nation. He found healing through soapstone carving. Now a volunteer at Siloam Mission, he teaches workshops, sharing his passion for art and helping others discover the therapeutic benefits of creativity.
Gabriela Gallo
Steinbach Youth and Children's Choir
Gabriela Gallo is a choral director based in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada. Gabriela Gallo's passion for music education and her commitment to nurturing young talents have been the driving forces behind the SYC and SCC's success. Her innovative teaching methods and dedication to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment have inspired countless young singers to pursue their musical dreams.
Janessa Roy
Cultural Workshop
Janessa, a mother of three and dedicated health advocate, combines her expertise as a personal trainer, nutritionist, and dancer to inspire holistic wellness transformations. Having stepped back from classroom teaching, she's now focusing on her advocacy work with Moon Time Connections while expanding her dance and fitness initiatives. Drawing from personal experience of how movement and music served as her healing catalyst, she's committed to sharing the transformative power of dance and fitness with others.
Jeremy Plett
Backyard Theatre Company
Jeremy Plett is the Director of The Backyard Theatre Company and a versatile performer from Steinbach, Manitoba. He is actively involved with the Sidetrack Bandits, a sketch comedy troupe that performs at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. Plett's work as an actor, writer, and director showcases his passion for the performing arts and community engagement.
Jessica Kos-Whicher
BTC Fusion Musical Theatre
Jessica Kos-Whicher, a Winnipeg-born soprano, is making her mark in opera. She has performed significant roles with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and in various operas, and is a two-time award winner in the Met National Council Auditions. Jessica also founded J. Kos-Whicher Vocal & Performing Arts, where she nurtures aspiring artists of all ages and levels.
John Taves
ASAP Fiddle
John, a violinist who began playing at age 6, graduated with distinction from Brandon University with a B. Mus. in violin performance. He has Suzuki teacher training and maintains a teaching studio of about 40 students while pursuing a freelance music career. In 2023, John became the concertmaster of the Mennonite Community Orchestra. He has performed with various orchestras, including the Regina Symphony Orchestra and Brandon University Orchestra.
Kadri Neufeld
BOSS Dance
Kadri Neufeld is an accomplished dancer with over 12 years of training in various styles, including Ballet, Jazz, and Hip-Hop. She has trained with renowned choreographers across Canada and the U.S. and completed exams in multiple dance disciplines. Her passion for dance and ability to inspire young dancers make her the ideal instructor for the BOSS Dance program.
Juan Erazo
Spanish
Juan is a Spanish teacher from South America, currently teaching with holaWinnipeg. With a decade of experience in Manitoba and certification as a Teacher of Spanish to Speakers of Other Languages, he creates a welcoming environment in his classes. Juan is passionate about helping his students build confidence and improve their communication skills in Spanish.
Karen Jonsson
Visual Arts
Artist Karen Johnson has been teaching Art for over ten years. After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours Degree from the University of Manitoba, she received a CIDA professional development award to teach Art for six months in Anguilla, BDI. After returning to Canada, she received her Bachelor of Education degree with a major in Fine Arts. She has experience teaching pencil drawing, pen and ink, painting, and pottery. Currently she creates and sells her art from her studio in Ste.Anne, Manitoba.
Kaytlin Van Osch
Fitness & Wellness
Over the past 10 years, Van Osch has sought a balance of comfort and challenge in her yoga practice. After entering her 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2018, she discovered her passion for sharing yoga with others and fostering community. Van Osch aims to lead classes that connect breath, movement, and mindfulness, hoping the energy generated in class extends into students' lives off the mat.
Melissa Voth
Cookie Canvas Workshop
Melissa Voth, owner of The Little Baking Company, transformed her lifelong passion for baking into a thriving business, specializing in custom cakes and baked goods. Despite facing unexpected challenges, she perseveres in her craft, now focusing on both creating delectable treats and teaching others her skills. Supported by her husband and three children, who share her creative flair, Melissa continues to spread joy through her baking endeavors.
Nico Narvaez
Visual Arts
Nico is a Nicaraguan-Canadian multidisciplinary artist inspired by the natural world, with practices in blacksmithing, woodworking, painting, and more. He earned a fine arts degree in Nicaragua and expanded his education in Canada at Emily Carr University and Guilford College. His recent exhibit, "Human/Nature," was held in 2023 at SAC, and he participated in the Dawson Trail Art Tour. Committed to education, Nico offers art classes and volunteers in local schools, promoting creativity and inclusivity.
Patricia McPherson
Fitness & Wellness
Patricia McPherson, founder of Yogi in Nature, is a dedicated yoga, fitness, and nutrition coach with over 1,000 hours of teaching experience and a 200RTT Yoga Teacher Training certification. She holds a Nutrition and Coaching Certification from Precision Nutrition and has been involved in CrossFit since 2018, additionally completing a CrossFit judging course. Currently, Patricia is advancing her expertise with further training in applied yoga anatomy and muscle activation, as well as preparing for her role as a firefighter at the Manitoba Emergency Services College.
Siobhan Toews-Thiessen
French
Siobhan Toews-Thiessen is passionate about French. They are not a native speaker, but have always excelled in French class, whether that be highschool, university, or with exchange programs. Siobhan believes in a well-rounded approach to language learning, with games and puzzles to supplement rote memorization. They believe adults are actually able to pick up languages faster than babies, and are convinced that you too can learn to confidently say 'I don't speak French' in French by the end of the course.
Willie Wiebe
ASAP Guitar
Willie Wiebe, an Eaton scholar, studied guitar under Norbert Kraft at the University of Toronto. He excelled in his studies and subsequently performed on radio and television as a soloist and with ensembles. With decades of teaching experience at various universities and colleges, Wiebe has found satisfaction in instructing student guitar ensembles and witnessing his students' successful careers worldwide.
William Banner
Backyard Theatre Company
William Banner is thrilled to lend their talent and expertise to The Backyard Theatre Co. William has returned to the city after gaining their BFA in Musical Theater Performance from AMDA’s Los Angelis campus and is excited to continue sharing the knowledge he gain while abroad.